Michael Hargadon (Candidate)
Michael Hargadon
Candidate R-7-MD
Campaign Contact
Campaign Email
Campaign Website
Campaign Contributors
410-245-7857
3618 Granite Rd.
Woodstock, MD 21163
3618 Granite Rd.
Woodstock, MD 21163
Biography
HARGADON, Michael; practiced dentistry for 25 years; was a write-in candidate for Lieutenant Governor; and served as regional coordinator for the Maryland Constitution Party. No further information about this candidate is available at this time. If you have information that we can add, please email us at contact@SEforA.org.
CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
Compare Innovation & the Elections 2008 responses for MD-7.
SEA and eighteen other science organizations have come together to ask the 2008 congressional candidates seven questions on science and technology policy. See what Michael Hargadon has said:
Innovation
Science and technology have been responsible for half of the growth of the American economy since World War II. But several recent reports question America’s continued leadership in these vital areas. What policies would you support to ensure that America remains the world leader in innovation?
1. As a person with Bachelor and Master degrees in science, I fully recognize the value of science and technology to society. Technological advancements are most likely when America's best and brightest are able to pursue their ideas without restrictions, as ocurred in the computer and internet industries over the last few decades. I would support all legislation that ecourages the free market for science and technology.
Climate Change
The Earth’s climate is changing and there is concern about the potentially adverse effects of these changes on life on the planet. What is your position on the following measures that have been proposed to address global climate change—a cap-and-trade system, a carbon tax, increased fuel-economy standards, and research? Are there other policies you would support?
2. Cap-and-trade systems and carbon taxes allow pollution to continue. Large corporations will prosper under these systems to the detriment of the small business owners, individuals, and our environment. I do not believe anyone should be able to trespass on their neighbors property in the form of pollution simply because they pay money to the government.
Increased fuel-economy standards impose restrictions on the automotive market. If the individuals and companies that are most likely to produce innovative advancements for fuel-consumption can not make a profit, then they will have no money to put into research and design, and the advancements become much less likely to occur. I am opposed to putting arbitrary restrictions on industries which will stifle the profits that are necessary for innovation.
Much of the legislation that is proposed in the name of protecting our environment is Unconstitutional and unnecessary. The best way to protect the environment is to respect private property: pollution is trespassing. The best way to encourage research into technology that will reduce the human impact on climate is to open up the markets and encourage competition through less government mingling in business.
Increased fuel-economy standards impose restrictions on the automotive market. If the individuals and companies that are most likely to produce innovative advancements for fuel-consumption can not make a profit, then they will have no money to put into research and design, and the advancements become much less likely to occur. I am opposed to putting arbitrary restrictions on industries which will stifle the profits that are necessary for innovation.
Much of the legislation that is proposed in the name of protecting our environment is Unconstitutional and unnecessary. The best way to protect the environment is to respect private property: pollution is trespassing. The best way to encourage research into technology that will reduce the human impact on climate is to open up the markets and encourage competition through less government mingling in business.
Energy
Many scientists and policymakers say energy security and sustainability are major problems facing the United States this century. What policies would you support to meet the demand for energy while ensuring an economically and environmentally sustainable future?
3. Energy security and energy sustainability are two different problems. For energy security, we need to take into account the distribution of energy sources around the globe and the political control of each of those sources. The international division of labor is responsible for the substantial improvements in our standard of living over the centuries, but political motives can disrupt this process. To ensure that the international division of labor applies to energy we must (1) have a foreign policy that promotes free trade with foreign countries and (2) open up the possibility that energy can be economically produced in, and possibly exported from, America by reducing restrictions on oil drilling and alternative fuel research. Our current foreign and domestic policies are not aligned with these approaches and I will work to correct them to enhance our energy security.
Energy sustainability implies that we will run out of energy. This is an impossibility when there are free markets since the free market is an automatic rationing system. If supplies of energy go down and/or demand of energy go up, then prices will increase causing a re-balance of the supply-and-demand relationship. As one form of energy becomes more expensive, the incentive to develop alternative energy sources arises due to the profit potential. As with all questions of entrepreneurial innovation, I will work to remove restrictions and open up the free market for energy solutions.
Energy sustainability implies that we will run out of energy. This is an impossibility when there are free markets since the free market is an automatic rationing system. If supplies of energy go down and/or demand of energy go up, then prices will increase causing a re-balance of the supply-and-demand relationship. As one form of energy becomes more expensive, the incentive to develop alternative energy sources arises due to the profit potential. As with all questions of entrepreneurial innovation, I will work to remove restrictions and open up the free market for energy solutions.
Education
A comparison of 15-year-olds in 30 wealthy nations found that average science scores among U.S. students ranked 17th, while average U.S. math scores ranked 24th. What role do you think the federal government should play in preparing K-12 students for the science and technology driven 21st Century?
4. The best role for the federal government to play in education is: none. Education is best handled at the local level. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, high school seniors math literacy has stagnated since the founding of the federal Department of Education. Yet, education costs have skyrocketed. It is clear that federal involvement in education is economically devastating, and does not improve student performance. I will support legislation that returns the control over education to the states, local school boards, and parents.
Water
Thirty-nine states expect some level of water shortage over the next decade, and scientific studies suggest that a majority of our water resources are at risk. What policies would you support to meet demand for water resources?
5. Shortages are automatically corrected on the free market. To the extent that the federal government currently interferes with water resources, I will support legislation that reverses these restrictions. This is a problem that is largely under the jurisdication of state and local authorities, so it is outside the scope of my power as a US Congressman.
Research
For many years, Congress has recognized the importance of science and engineering research to realizing our national goals. Given that the next Congress will likely face spending constraints, what priority would you give to investment in basic research in upcoming budgets?
6. As someone who did basic science research for eight years before getting a Doctorate in Dental Surgery, I recognize the contributions such research makes to society. However, I believe funding research is outside the scope of federal powers as outlined in the US Constitution. Furthermore, it is impossible to accurately assess which research should be funded when public funds are used.
I believe basic research should be funded by private charities and investors; we need to transition away from public funding. However, cutting basic research is not a high priority in these times where there are more serious threats to our way of life, and I would not agressively pursue such a transition at this time.
I believe basic research should be funded by private charities and investors; we need to transition away from public funding. However, cutting basic research is not a high priority in these times where there are more serious threats to our way of life, and I would not agressively pursue such a transition at this time.
Health
Americans are increasingly concerned with the cost, quality, and availability of health care. How do you see science, research, and technology contributing to improved health and quality of life?
7.As a healthcare practitioner for the last 25 years, I have experienced, first-hand, the disastrous consequences of our healthcare system. We need to transition to free market solutions to healthcare while not abandoning those who are already dependent. I propose a transitionary phase-out of Medicare/Medicaid in which we allow the younger generations to opt-out of these programs and continue to honor our promises to those who are currently receiving benefits. Furthermore, I will support legislation that opens up the markets for healthcare consumers, including a reduction in regulation of health insurance, costly healthcare provider restrictions, and pharmaceutical and drug approval processes, and an increase in incentives for alternative care options and individual health insurance initiatives.
Login/Register to EditMICHAEL HARGADON'S RECORD ON SCIENCE
Education
Since the Constitution does not empower the federal government with involvement in education, Hargadon believes that policies dealing with education should be left to the state. If elected, he vows to try to abolish or downsize the federal Department of Education. [1]
Energy
- Nothing posted to date
Environment
Michael Hargadon believes that with a 9 trillion deficit, the federal government cannot afford the oversight and regulation of a sound environmental policy. He believes that states and neighboring states should have their own standards and negotiate with each other, since "Pollution of neighbor’s land, air, or water, has legal consequences."[2]
Climate Change
- Nothing posted to date
Health
According to his website, Hargadon believes that the problems with healthcare are that the cost is too high, the current system is insufficient, and the needs of large groups come before those of individuals. The solution to these problems, according to Hargadon, is to allow the free market and health care to work together, thus driving down cost and giving more options to consumers. He also believes that the federal government should not play a role in healthcare, as it was delegated to the states in the tenth amendment. Hargadon also holds that an individual should have the freedom to refuse federally mandated immunizations, and have control over their own healthcare.
Innovation
- Nothing posted to date
Research and Research Management
- Nothing posted to date
